584: The Health Costs of Our Modern Life & How to Start Feeling Better with Dr. Casey Means

Brain fog is the real deal, and it hits women WAY harder than men.  The symptoms can be debilitating, like forgetfulness, struggling to find words, inability to focus… And it only gets worse as we age.   But it doesn’t have to!  Catch today’s Six Powerful Ways to Keep Your Brain Young and Sharp–and learn: How brain fog and cognitive decline can go hand-in-hand Why women are affected more than men  6 all-natural ways to keep your brain young and clear The BEST and WORST foods for your brain Mentioned in this Episode: Gluco Support – The Blood Sugar-Balancer Zen Sleep – The Sleep-Enhancer Vitamin D Complete – The Sunshine-Vitamin  Additional Resources: 5 Critical Steps to Prevent Cognitive Decline #419: The 5 Supplements I take Every Single Day for a Better Brain and Energy #391: How I Use Blood Sugar Hacks to Enhance my Brain and Skyrocket my Energy Levels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… Perimenopause– or the profound transition into menopause– is one of the MOST overlooked areas of women’s health.  This 4 to 10-year perimenopausal transition deserves more attention because we’re taking on the MOST at this time.  And although it’s a huge change in your body, you can implement several simple adjustments to significantly ease this transition.  Packed with my top diet and blood sugar balancing hacks, daily movement practices, functional lab test recommendations, and my take on hormone replacement therapy… this episode covers it ALL.  It’s time to OWN your power and become your best self. It’s not all about trying to navigate perimenopause and beyond… it’s about learning to live your best life and feel GREAT in your body.  Tune into this episode to discover how to do just that! IN THIS EPISODE Supporting your body through the perimenopause transition  Understanding your metabolic health through perimenopause  Recommended labs for a picture of your overall health  Dutch test, GI mapping test, and other suggested tests  The common changes in your menstrual cycle during midlife  Top hacks for balancing your blood sugar in perimenopause Diet and daily movement recommendations for perimenopause  Hormone replacement therapy options and recommendations  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode586 RESOURCES MENTIONED Download Your Free Women’s Metabolic Assessment Guide Here Download Your Free Hormone Testing Guide Here #572: How To Know You Are in Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated with Declining Hormones #350: Why Women Aren’t Small Men and How to Navigate Poor Health Advice When You Have a Period RELATED EPISODES  583: The Truth About Menopause That You Deserve to Know with Dr. Mary Claire Haver 579: Hormone Replacement Options and Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum #372: What To Eat on Your Plate to Balance Blood Sugar Levels for the Entire Day with Kelly Leveque Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost 50% of kids today are diagnosed with a chronic condition.  Let that sink in.  Some studies state that children today are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents for the first time in history.  So what’s causing this disruption in our modern world… and how do we start with an integrative approach to care for our kids?  Pediatric expert and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Song joins me on the show today to help us parents become MORE proactive. So no matter what our kids are exposed to– their immune systems, brains, and microbiomes can learn how to bounce back and stay healthier for longer. Don’t miss this episode for top recommendations on how diet, movement, and gut microbiome health can help your child remain free from chronic illness, and live a healthier, happier life!  Dr. Elisa Song, MD  Dr. Elisa Song is a Standford-, NYU-, UCSF- trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, AND a mom of 2 thriving children. Her mission is to revolutionize the future of children’s health. She’s the founder of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids– an online holistic pediatrics resource to help practitioners and parents bridge the gap between conventional and integrative pediatrics. She’s chair of A4M’s pediatrics education and has lectured globally at various functional medicine conferences and parenting events.  IN THIS EPISODE The state of children’s health in the modern world  The gut microbiome’s influence on chronic childhood disease  Common ways children’s gut microbiomes become disrupted  Educating kids on balancing their gut with healthy foods Proactive steps for parents to help their children’s microbiomes  Encouraging movement in children for their overall health  The gut-brain connection and engaging the vagus nerve  More about Dr. Song’s new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode585  RESOURCES MENTIONED Get Dr. Song’s Book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Book Dr. Song’s Website: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Dr. Song’s Instagram  Dr. Song’s Facebook RELATED EPISODES  #515: The Connection Between Gut Health And Hormone Balance With Dr. Vincent Pedre #267: The Gut Hormone Connection And What You Can Do To Start Healing Your Gut Today With Tina Anderson #388: The Top 5 Things I Have Learned From Being A Mom So Far #297: Is It Possible To “Have It All” As A Mom Today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so much health knowledge at our fingertips, it’s amazing that Americans are getting sicker every year. We’re more depressed.  Our life expectancy is going down because we’re becoming infertile.  So… what are we missing?  Dr. Means joins me today to touch on shifting your perspective toward understanding an energy-centric nature of disease. More connection, and prioritizing good energy will help pave the way to a healthier future.  Because good energy is the ultimate currency.  Creating deep connections– between our body systems, ourselves and nature, and ourselves and other people helps drive the needle toward lasting health and longevity.  Don’t miss today’s podcast to dive deep into what’s currently lacking in our country that’s leading to the decline in American health, and what YOU can do today to find good energy, heal your body, and create the healthiest version of yourself! Check it out here.  Casey Means, MD  Dr. Casey Means is a physician and the co-founder of Levels– a health technology company focused on reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. She trained in Head & Neck Surgery before leaving traditional medicine to focus on the root cause of American illnesses. Her new book– Good Energy– comes out this May, and it’s a framework for the relationships between health, life, food, technology, mindset, and more. View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode584 IN THIS EPISODE Why NOW is the time to be cultivating “Good Energy”  Metabolic health when it comes to Good and Bad energy  Actionable tips for implementing good energy into your life Core components you should include in your daily diet  Trusting yourself in a sea of health information Understanding biomarkers and lab tests for metabolic health  How to easily maintain good health and longevity  Getting back to the fundamentals and grounding in nature  How eating habits, physical activity, and sleep are related to your metabolic health  RESOURCES MENTIONED Order Dr. Mean’s Good Energy Book HERE! Dr. Mean’s Website Download Your FREE Lab Guide HERE Dr. Mean’s Newsletter Sign-up  Dr. Mean’s Instagram   RELATED EPISODES  #551: How To Know If You Have a Sluggish Metabolism and How It Impacts Your Weight, Hormones, And Cellular Energy #534: The Secret to Supercharging Your Energy, Connection and Life with Dr. Molly Maloof #383: How I Build Metabolically Healthy Meals for My Family to Maintain Steady Blood Sugar and Energy Levels #476: How To Pivot in Perimenopause to Increase Energy, Metabolism and Brain Power Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through my years in functional medicine, I’ve unfortunately found that thousands of us have been misinformed when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. And menopause expert Dr. Haver agrees. That’s why she joins me today to dive into ALL the changes we can expect in our bodies during this midlife transition.  Even our own doctors are confused about hormonal changes during menopause, so we often feel left in the dark when dealing with symptoms. Today, we shed light on what’s REALLY going on in your body during perimenopause and menopause. Because we all deserve to know how our bodies work, and what this transition means for us in the long term.  From managing weight gain to fatigue to high cholesterol and more– we cover why these symptoms AREN’T just a “normal” part of aging. Listen here to learn how to take control of your hormones, own your menopause transition, and feel empowered through every stage of life!  Dr. Mary Claire Haver MD, FACOG, CMP  Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, a Certified Menopause Practitioner from the Menopause Society, a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, and an entrepreneur and best-selling author focusing on women’s health and menopause. Dr. Haver founded the “Pause Life”- a comprehensive approach to menopause education and support. Her latest book, The New Menopause focuses on lifestyle approaches to help women feel their best.  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode583 IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Haver’s experience through perimenopause and menopause  What Dr. Haver wished she knew about the menopause transition  Signs of perimenopause and menopause The most common and disruptive symptoms in midlife  How to effectively manage menopause symptoms  Addressing perimenopause and why it’s often overlooked  When do women get the most benefit from HRT?  Declining sex hormones and weight gain  Nutrition, supplement, and exercise tips for menopause  How to find a menopause doctor who listens to your needs  RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Haver’s Book: The New Menopause Dr. Haver’s Instagram  Take Dr. Haver’s Menopause Quiz and Download the FREE Menopause Empowerment Guide HERE  RELATED EPISODES  #572: How To Know You Are in Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated with Declining Hormones #539: Everything You Need to Know About Navigating Hormone Changes In Perimenopause #416: What You Need to Know About Menopause to Easily Reframe and Make the Transition More Fulfilling with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz #363: The Three Phases of Perimenopause and How to Navigate Each Phase with Grace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a few pieces of chocolate won’t kill me, right?  Trust me… we’ve all had this thought no matter where we are in our journey to ultimate health.  But is it really the sugar you’re craving… or are you actually trying to satisfy a different unmet need?  In today’s podcast, Sugar Freedom Expert Danielle Daem and I address the predominant root causes of sugar addiction– that you may have never realized.  And trust me… we’re not here to tell you you can never have sugar again. We ARE realistic! But Danielle helps you learn how to heal your emotions around sugar and address any addiction from a trauma-informed lens.  YOU ultimately are the one to decide what your relationship with sugar looks like– by showing up for yourself, keeping your word, and not only doing the work nutritionally… but emotionally, too.  Danielle is here to guide you through all of this– and more! So don’t miss this episode to help you restore a healthy balance with sugar.  Danielle Daem Danielle Daem is a Sugar Freedom Expert, Breathwork Facilitator & Somatic Embodiment Coach who helps women heal their relationship with sugar to reclaim control over their health and energy. Her root cause approach to addiction addresses how your relationship with food ultimately stems from your relationship with yourself. Danielle is the creator of the Break Free From Sugar Program and host of the top-rated “Beyond Sugar Freedom Podcast”. She’s recognized as the go-to expert for helping women heal addictive relationships to discover a deeper sense of freedom with food.   View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode582 IN THIS EPISODE Danielle’s history of overcoming sugar addiction and emotional eating– and how she now educates others on doing the same  Addressing the common root causes of sugar addiction  The link between trauma and our unhealthy eating habits How we can learn to trust our bodies and overcome addiction  Regulating the nervous system in response to triggers  Becoming food investigators and recognizing hidden sugars  What is a trauma-informed approach to a sugar detox?  Using somatic embodiment to heal our relationship with sugar  RESOURCES MENTIONED Root Cause Quiz: Uncover your sugar dependency with this quick quiz FREE 3-part “Kick Emotional Eating” Workshop Series:  Join The Emotional Eating Masterclass HERE  Danielle’s Website Check out Danielle’s Podcast Danielle’s Socials:  Facebook  Instagram YouTube RELATED EPISODES  #493: The First 3 Steps to Cutting Out Refined Sugar and Banishing Killer Cravings for Good #346: Why Are We Struggling to Lose Weight and How Does It Tie to Food Addiction? With Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson #477: 5 Easy Ways to Fix Your Blood Sugar #156: Could Breaking Up with Sugar Be the Biggest Key to Healthy Eating? With Molly Carmel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been following me long enough… you know how I preach that FOOD is so powerful. The right food nourishes our bodies, reduces inflammation, keeps biomarkers in range, and helps our bodies heal on a cellular level.  But, more importantly… there’s some serious food to watch out for. Some of your favorite– even “healthy”– foods can have dangerous, damaging ingredients you may not be aware of. Don’t worry though– in today’s podcast we uncover the top 5 WORST types of food for metabolic health, and how you can be sure to avoid them.  You won’t want to miss this show– because not only do we dive into these 5 harmful foods for your health, but I also give you great meal ideas, easy snack options, tips for eating while traveling, and all the details on my next 14-Day Detox Program!  Check it all out here! IN THIS EPISODE Foods that sneak into our diets and cause metabolic disruption  The negative impacts sugar has on our health  The benefits of nourishing your gut and liver  The truth about carbs  The most dangerous processed foods  Ideas for cooking at home and healthy homemade meals  Common places where harmful oils are secretly hiding  Top recommendations for meals and snacks outside of the home  How to join my 14-Day Detox packed with Free bonuses!  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode581 RESOURCES MENTIONED Join My 14-Day Detox Program HERE! FREE: Top 10 Liver Superfoods with Detox Recipes RELATED EPISODES  #531: How To Create Metabolism-Loving Meals That Can Fix Your Blood Sugar and Ward Off Chronic Disease #535: How To Effectively Reset Your Metabolism, Lose Weight, and Upgrade Your Hormones How To Spot a Glucose Spike On Any Nutritional Label on Packaged Food #383: How I Build Metabolically Healthy Meals for My Family to Maintain Steady Blood Sugar and Energy Levels #460: Five Of the Worst Types of Food for Metabolic Health and Belly Fat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raise your hand if you’re a woman who feels like you take care of everyone but yourself!  Girl– we’re ALL guilty of it.  That’s why I’ve invited NP Cynthia Thurlow on the podcast today to help us reframe this mindset.  Once you reach midlife, perimenopause actually allows you to identify WHY it’s so important for you to focus on taking care of yourself.   In this podcast, we dive into all the benefits of taking care of YOU– and how simple midlife lifestyle adjustments can make you feel your absolute best.  We cover everything from managing jet lag, the importance of sleep, and how fasting is your friend– plus give you supplement recs, exercise tips, stress-relieving measures– and more.  And trust me– these tips won’t feel like deprivation! We want to help you ultimately make sustainable decisions– that most importantly feel good.  Check it out here!  Cynthia Thurlow, NP  Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, nutrition educator, international speaker, and CEO and founder of Everyday Wellness. With over 20 years of experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in intermittent fasting and nutritional health and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her passion is to empower women of all ages to live vibrant and healthy lives.  IN THIS EPISODE Adjusting your sleep through time changes and travel  Reducing your toxic load and boosting mitochondrial support  Why keeping your blood sugar balanced is crucial in midlife  Tips for reducing perimenopause and menopause symptoms   Addressing menopause insulin resistance and weight gain  Key benefits of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)  Diet, intermittent fasting, sleep, and exercise in perimenopause  The importance of eating adequate protein in midlife Personal development and getting to the root of your “why” Recommendations for navigating sleep in midlife  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode580 RESOURCES MENTIONED Cynthia’s Website Check out Cynthia’s Podcast! Cynthia’s YouTube Channel Cynthia’s Instagram RELATED EPISODES  #549: How To Prepare for the Hormone Shift and Thrive In Midlife and Beyond with Dr. Taz Bhatia #552: The Midlife Muscle Crisis: Why Maintaining Muscle Is Necessary for Fat Loss, Strength and Longevity with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon #572: How To Know You Are In Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated with Declining Hormones #505: 5 Ways Sleep Impacts Your Blood Sugar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hormones don’t get the credit they deserve. Hormones are beautiful optimizers for our bodies and can be super beneficial in managing ALL kinds of disorders and diseases.  Menopause expert and registered dietician Esther Blum joins me today to help YOU understand hormone replacement– so you’re empowered to advocate for yourself in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.  Hormones have played a big part in her healing journey– optimizing her well-being, promoting her brain function, enhancing her mood, and more. In this podcast, we’ll dive into the benefits and doubts around hormone replacement therapy, and learn why hormones may be exactly what you need to live your best life– for the rest of your life! If you really want to be a participant in your life– and NOT just watch it go by– then hormones are a VERY important piece.  Don’t miss the podcast here!  Esther Blum, MS, RD, CDN, CNS Esther is an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert who’s spent 27+ years helping thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones, and self-advocacy. She’s a best-selling author with appearances on the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY. She has earned her Bachelor AND Master of Science degrees in Clinical Nutrition, and she’s a Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist, and Certified Nutrition Specialist.  IN THIS EPISODE Esther’s hormone replacement journey  Navigating changes in perimenopause and menopause The stress response and regulating your nervous system The importance of functional labs throughout menopause  Optimizing detox pathways through the liver and gut  Addressing the awareness around hormone replacement therapy The difference between birth control and menopause care  Is hormone replacement therapy safe for long-term use? Hormones after a hysterectomy  Hormone replacement in addition to lifestyle improvements  RESOURCES MENTIONED 14-Day Menopausal Metabolic Meal Plan with recipes Esther’s Instagram Esther’s Website  Ester on TikTok! RELATED EPISODES  #404: Do Women Need to Wait till Menopause to Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum #557: What Every Women Needs to Know About Hormone Replacement in Their 40s And beyond with Felice Gersh 578: The Far-Reaching Physical and Psychological Impact of Hormones, Hormonal Birth Control and the Menopause Transition with Dr. Sarah Hill #572: How To Know You Are in Perimenopause Including The 40+ Symptoms Associated with Declining Hormones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women should NOT be made to feel bad about wanting something better, right?  That’s the case when it comes to hormones and hormonal birth control.  Unfortunately– there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty that women– and even their doctors– have around hormone replacement and hormone options.  Some doctors are still stuck in thinking that hormones like estrogen are dangerous. So my goal is to empower you to find a provider willing to listen to you– because hormone replacement can be CRUCIAL as you reach perimenopause and menopause! In this podcast, expert researcher and educator Dr. Hill opens the door to learning more about our bodies as women, hormones, and beneficial options for our health.  Check out this podcast today to take charge of your hormonal health through every stage of your cycle– and your life!  Dr. Sarah Hill  Dr. Sarah Hill is an award-winning research psychologist specializing in women’s health and sexual psychology. Dr. Hill’s research focuses on the role of hormones, the immune system, and the environment in relationships and health behaviors. She got her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin.  IN THIS EPISODE Adjusting your lifestyle to different phases of your cycle  What happens to your body through perimenopause Addressing modern day’s standard of care for women’s health  Hormone replacement options and their benefits  Hormonal birth control and the side effects of it  Birth control’s connection to the stress-response system  Tips for getting your body off birth control  View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode578 RESOURCES MENTIONED Get Dr. Hill’s Book: This Is Your Brain on Birth Control Dr. Hill’s Instagram Dr. Hill’s Website RELATED EPISODES  #557: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Hormone Replacement in Their 40s And beyond with Felice Gersh #547: What You Need to Know About the Opill and Hormone Changes in Perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones #539: Everything You Need to Know About Navigating Hormone Changes in Perimenopause #439: The Business of Birth Control and How It Affects Women with Abby Epstein #424: Move Over Birth Control Pills, There’s A New Type of Contraception in Town That’s Completely Natural with Elina Berglund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices